MANNIN: CONGO EXPLOITATION - NOT GUILTY SAY MANX GOVERNMENT
The Manx government have said they are "not aware of any evidence that any companies in the Island are being used to exacerbate the conflict in the DRC" (Democratic Republic of Congo).
The statement is contained in a response by the Isle of Man Chief Minister following a query from the Celtic League (the full text is set out below).
Given the Manx governments certainty about the integrity of its position it seems strange that the 2002 'Final Report Of The Panel Of Experts On The Illegal Exploitation Of Natural Resources And Other Forms Of Wealth Of The Democratic Republic Of The Congo' (established by the United Nations) claims it was denied access to records in Mann when carrying out its enquiry.
"Our ref: CM 14.3
10 December 2008
Mr J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League 11 Cleiy Rhennee Kirk Michael ISLE OF MAN 1M6 1HT
Dear Mr Moffatt
I refer to your letter dated 21 November 2008 regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
I have been advised that there are three elements in the law of the Island that may be relevant in respect of Island persons or businesses having dealings with the DRC.
Firstly, UN and EU sanctions with effect in the Island would prohibit the supply of arms, paramilitary equipment, and related technical or financial assistance - except is certain specified circumstances, such as for use by peacekeeping forces, and assistance and training of the legitimate army and police forces. Financial sanctions are also in force against persons and entities designated by the relevant UN Sanctions Committee. Details of these sanctions may be found in Sanctions Notice 16, which is available on the Customs and Excise website at:
Secondly, the export from the Island (or the UK) of military and paramilitary equipment etc, or dual-use items (i.e. those with both a legitimate civil and a potential for use in connection with weapons of mass destruction and other military purposes) would require an export licence. This would be issued either by the Export Control Organisation (a part of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) in the UK, or the Treasury in the Isle of Man. Further details of these controls may be found in Notice 297MAN, which can be found on the Customs and Excise website at:
http//www.gov.im/lib/docs/treasury/customs/notice279manexportlicensingco3.pdf
Thirdly, export control law in the Isle of Man requires those Island persons and Island businesses engaged in the trade of certain weaponry, paramilitary equipment etc between two other countries in certain circumstances to hold a trade control licence. The supply of such goods to the DRC or its neighbours would, in all likelihood, require such a licence.
Contravention of any of the foregoing would involve serious penalties for anyone convicted.
Finally, I can advise that the Treasury is not aware of any evidence that any companies in the Island are being used to exacerbate the conflict in the DRC, or that any person or business in the Island is in breach of the UN sanctions.
Yours sincerely
Hon J A Brown MHK Chief Minister"
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League 13/12/08
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